Hundreds of schools across the United Kingdom have remained closed this week, disrupting the return to classrooms for thousands of pupils after the holiday period. The widespread shutdowns on Monday and Tuesday, 5th and 6th January 2026, were triggered by plunging temperatures, heavy snowfall, and hazardous ice. This has created a significant logistical challenge for working parents and carers, forcing many to scramble for last-minute childcare solutions.
Navigating School Closure Announcements and Decisions
The responsibility for closing a school rests with the headteacher. They must assess whether it is safe to open, considering factors like the ability of staff to travel safely and the conditions within the school buildings themselves. In cases of severe weather, illness outbreaks, or heating failures, the head has the authority to shut the gates.
Parents are advised to check multiple sources to confirm if their child's school is affected. Most schools will communicate directly via text, email, or a dedicated app, and will post updates on their official websites. Additionally, local councils often publish live lists of closures in their area; for instance, North Yorkshire Council listed 50 closed schools on Tuesday. Local radio stations also broadcast this information.
Your Rights and Options as a Working Parent
When a school closes unexpectedly, it is classed as an emergency involving a dependant. This means parents have the right to take a reasonable amount of unpaid time off work to arrange alternative care. The key is to inform your employer as soon as possible, explaining the situation and giving an estimated timeframe for your absence, even if this is difficult to predict precisely.
Employers are not legally obliged to pay you for this time, though some may offer discretionary pay. Other potential solutions include:
- Requesting flexible working at short notice, such as working from home or adjusting your hours.
- Asking to take last-minute annual leave to ensure you are paid for the day.
Clear and prompt communication with your employer is crucial when exploring these options.
Remote Learning and Safety Concerns
According to Department for Education guidance, schools that close due to severe weather should consider implementing remote education. Many already have plans in place, which may involve live online lessons, pre-recorded teacher sessions, or work set via digital platforms.
If a school remains open but you believe the journey is unsafe for your child, you should follow the standard absence reporting procedure. Inform the school promptly that your child will not be attending and clearly state the safety reasons for your decision.
The current cold snap, with forecasts from the Met Office indicating continued icy conditions, serves as a stark reminder for families to familiarise themselves with these protocols. Being prepared can alleviate some of the stress when winter weather inevitably disrupts the school routine.
